Notes From a Jewish Newbie With Adina Shoshana

Meaningful Minute

Whether you grew up with challah or just learned how to pronounce it, Notes from a Jewish Newbie is your space to explore Judaism with curiosity, honesty, and a good sense of humor.

Hosted by Adriana Fernandez (aka @NowJewishNanny), this podcast dives into the questions people are thinking but not always asking—about rituals, identity, community, and everything in between.

New episodes drop Monday nights. Come for the real talk, stay for the growth.

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9 episodes
Updated Sep 8, 2025

Episodes9

Newest first

Sep 8, 2025 · 28 min
They Really Asked Me THIS… (Unfiltered Q&A)
Adina (aka Adriana) sits down for a heartfelt Q&A, answering your anonymous questions about her Jewish journey. From building a daily prayer routine, navigating labels like “modern Orthodox” or “Yeshivish,” to the emotional details of her mikvah and conversion day — nothing is off-limits. She also opens up about nanny life, mental health, dating questions, struggles, and what it really means to keep growing in Judaism. Whether you’re a fellow Jewish newbie, curious about conversion, or just looking for some inspiration on connecting with Hashem, this episode is for you. Send in your questions so Adina can answer it in future episodes: email : NJN@meaningfulminute.org or send a voice note via: Speakpipe.com/meaningfulminute ___________________________ ► Meaningful Minute Plus Meaningful Minute is releasing its first-ever feature film: Homeless — a powerful story about exile, identity, and return. www.NJN.plus
Sep 1, 2025 · 48 min
“I’m Becoming a Jew” | This is Jacks Jewish Journey
In this week’s episode, Adina sits down with Jack, who is also known as @JacksJewishJourney on Instagram. Jack shares his background growing up on a dairy farm in rural Australia, living a simple and secular life, and later moving to Melbourne at age 17 to seek something more meaningful. He recalls feeling a spiritual pull he couldn’t yet name, and eventually encountering Judaism. His first experiences of Shabbat and Jewish holidays gave him an overwhelming sense of belonging and warmth, which sparked his gradual journey toward conversion. Throughout the conversation, Adriana and Jack discuss themes of faith, purpose, contrast between secular and Jewish life, and the deep fulfillment found in Torah study and Jewish community. They reflect on how Hashem guides people’s paths, often through small sparks and relationships, and the beauty of living a life filled with meaning, connection, and spiritual growth. Send in your questions so Adina can answer it in future episodes: email : NJN@meaningfulminute.org or send a voice note via: Speakpipe.com/meaningfulminute You can find Jack on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/jacksjewishjourney/ ___________________________ ► Meaningful Minute Plus Meaningful Minute Plus gives you access to exclusive video series, raw uncut podcast moments, behind-the-scenes with your favorite creators — plus original films, powerful documentaries, and live-streamed conversations you won’t see anywhere else. www.NJN.plus
Aug 25, 2025 · 35 min
My Family’s Reaction to My Conversion
In this heartfelt episode of Notes from a Jewish Newbie, Adina opens up about one of the most common questions she receives: “What does your family think about your conversion to Judaism?” From her mother’s surprising reaction to the bumps along the way, Adina shares stories of support, confusion, growth, and love. Adina reflects on the lessons she’s learned from her mom, sister, grandmother, and even her nanny families, revealing how their acceptance and curiosity have shaped her journey. This episode is not just about conversion—it’s about family, faith, humility, and the power of unconditional love. Send in your questions so Adina can answer it in future episodes: email : NJN@meaningfulminute.org or send a voice note via: Speakpipe.com/meaningfulminute ___________________________ ► Meaningful Minute Plus Meaningful Minute is releasing its first-ever feature film: Homeless — a powerful story about exile, identity, and return. www.NJN.plus
Aug 18, 2025 · 53 min
The TRUTH about being a Jewish Influencer | An Honest Conversation with Sarah Guigue (@hassidic.hipster.girl)
This episode of Notes from a Jewish Newbie is different. For the first time, Adriana (Adina) brings on a guest: her best friend Sarah Guigue, @Hassidic.Hipster.Girl. This is an unfiltered conversation about friendship, faith, struggle, and the quiet battles that shape who we become. They share how their friendship began during Adriana’s conversion journey and how it grew into a space of trust, honesty, and support. Sarah opens up about experiencing a stillbirth and postpartum grief, while Adriana talks about the hidden pain of going through conversion as a public figure. Both reflect on what it means to balance private struggles with public expectations, and the way social media can magnify both connection and criticism. This isn’t just a story about Judaism or influencer life. It’s about resilience, learning to set boundaries, and discovering that Hashem places the right people in our lives at the right time. It’s about finding holiness in ordinary moments and strength in vulnerability. If you’ve ever struggled with being “seen,” if you’ve ever felt the weight of keeping something private in a world that demands openness, or if you simply want to hear two friends speak honestly about growth, pain, and faith — this episode is for you. Send in your questions so Adina can answer it in future episodes: email : NJN@meaningfulminute.org or send a voice note via: Speakpipe.com/meaningfulminute ___________________________ ► Meaningful Minute Plus Meaningful Minute is releasing its first-ever feature film: Homeless — a powerful story about exile, identity, and return. www.NJN.plus
Aug 11, 2025 · 34 min
My First Time in Shul: The Culture Shock I Never Expected
My First Time in Shul: A Culture Shock In this episode of Notes from a Jewish Newbie, Adina shares the full, unfiltered story of her very first time stepping into a shul. From believing she could complete her Orthodox conversion without ever attending services, to an unexpected invitation to sing in a conservative shul choir, Adina takes listeners through the moments of culture shock, the lessons learned, and the warm embrace of the community that ultimately became her spiritual home. She reflects on the subtle “tests” in the conversion process, the humor and surprises of shul life, and the prayer that moves her to tears every single Shabbos. ✨ In this episode: The shul experience that didn’t go as planned How her sponsoring rabbi’s community welcomed her in The funny and surprising parts of shul life she never expected The one prayer that defines her love for Judaism Send in your questions so Adina can answer it in future episodes: email : NJN@meaningfulminute.org or send a voice note via: Speakpipe.com/meaningfulminute This episode was brought you in part by: ►PZ Deals Download The PZ Deals App and Never Pay Full Price Again https://app.pz.deals/install/soh ___________________________ ► Meaningful Minute Plus Meaningful Minute is releasing its first-ever feature film: Homeless — a powerful story about exile, identity, and return. www.NJN.plus
Aug 4, 2025 · 45 min
Why I started to dress modestly (and threw out all my old clothes)
In episode 3 of Notes from a Jewish Newbie, Adina (also known as Adriana) opens up about one of the most transformative—and frequently asked-about—aspects of her Orthodox Jewish conversion: Tznius (modesty). Adina walks listeners through her deeply personal journey of redefining modesty. This episode explores how she gradually shifted her wardrobe, mindset, and identity—not through pressure, but through love, learning, and authentic connection to Hashem. Send in your questions so Adina can answer it in future episodes: email : NJN@meaningfulminute.org or send a voicenote via: Speakpipe.com/meaningfulminute This episode was brought you in part by: ► Wissotzky Tea - Refreshing, caffeine-free iced tea made easy! Through 5 generations, the Wissotzky family has been dedicated to exploring and blending extraordinary teas. Trusted since 1849, Wissotzky delivers quality and flavor you can taste in every sip. Wissotzky Cold Breeze teas are crafted for cold water brewing—just add a bag to a glass or bottle of water, wait 8–10 minutes, and enjoy. Made with real herbs, fruits, and natural flavors (no sugar or artificial additives), it’s a light, fruity, and hydrating drink for both kids and adults. Order Now on Amazon! https://www.amazon.com/stores/WISSOTZKY/page/3057BAB8-C2E4-4B43-93BD-575E28F6D9C2?is_byline_deeplink=true&deeplink=3057BAB8-C2E4-4B43-93BD-575E28F6D9C2&redirect_store_id=3057BAB8-C2E4-4B43-93BD-575E28F6D9C2&lp_asin=B0FBX9ZB9F&ref_=ast_bln&store_ref=bl_ast_dp_brandLogo_sto ___________________________ ► PZ Deals - Download the app and never pay full price again! https://app.pz.deals/install/mpp ___________________________ ► Meaningful Minute Plus Meaningful Minute is releasing its first-ever feature film: Homeless — a powerful story about exile, identity, and return. www.NJN.plus
Jul 28, 2025 · 46 min
I Thought This Was Kosher 😳
In this episode, Adina (AKA Adrienna, @nowjewishnanny) opens up about her journey into keeping kosher during her Orthodox Jewish conversion – the struggles, the halachic confusion, and yes… all the mistakes along the way. From her “fake kosher” kitchen to accidentally serving treif cookies, to finally building a truly kosher home, Adina shares the behind-the-scenes reality of learning mitzvot step by step. Listen to the full episode to hear about: - The insecurities she felt about what is kosher and Shabbos laws - Her funniest (and cringiest) kosher mistakes during conversion - Why Hashem used food poisoning to change her life - Going from “dairy out” to fully kosher – and what finally clicked - The deeper meaning of kosher beyond the rules and symbols If you’ve ever wondered what it’s really like to take on kosher from scratch – with all the ups, downs, and spiritual growth in between – this is the episode for you. Send in your questions so Adina can answer it in future episodes: email : NJN@meaningfulminute.org or send a voicenote via: Speakpipe.com/meaningfulminute This episode was brought you in part by: ► Wissotzky Tea - Refreshing, caffeine-free iced tea made easy! Through 5 generations, the Wissotzky family has been dedicated to exploring and blending extraordinary teas. Trusted since 1849, Wissotzky delivers quality and flavor you can taste in every sip. Wissotzky Cold Breeze teas are crafted for cold water brewing—just add a bag to a glass or bottle of water, wait 8–10 minutes, and enjoy. Made with real herbs, fruits, and natural flavors (no sugar or artificial additives), it’s a light, fruity, and hydrating drink for both kids and adults. Order Now on Amazon! https://www.amazon.com/stores/WISSOTZKY/page/3057BAB8-C2E4-4B43-93BD-575E28F6D9C2?is_byline_deeplink=true&deeplink=3057BAB8-C2E4-4B43-93BD-575E28F6D9C2&redirect_store_id=3057BAB8-C2E4-4B43-93BD-575E28F6D9C2&lp_asin=B0FBX9ZB9F&ref_=ast_bln&store_ref=bl_ast_dp_brandLogo_sto ___________________________ ► Meaningful Minute Plus Meaningful Minute is releasing its first-ever feature film: Homeless — a powerful story about exile, identity, and return. www.NJN.plus
Jul 21, 2025 · 39 min
My Jewish Conversion: Everything I Couldn’t Share Until Now
Welcome to the first episode of Notes from a Jewish Newbie! In this raw, unfiltered debut, Adina (aka Adriana, aka Now-Jewish Nanny) shares the deeply personal journey that led to her Orthodox conversion, and everything that’s happened since. From the quiet heartbreaks behind closed doors to the joyful chaos of going public with “I’m Jewish now,” this episode is a whirlwind of vulnerability, humor, gratitude, and hard-earned perspective. Adina opens up about the emotional toll of the conversion process, the long months of waiting and wondering, and the moment she finally heard the words she’d been praying for. She takes us behind the scenes of her mikvah day, her viral announcement, and the flood of unexpected love and support from across the Jewish world. But this isn’t just a story about becoming Jewish, it’s about what happens after. What it feels like to walk into shul as a new Jew. What it means to make your first kosher kitchen. How it feels to hold on to the fire of inspiration when the whirlwind dies down. This is not a polished guide or a how-to manual. It’s one woman’s honest, evolving voice as she learns how to live a Jewish life and bring you with her, every step of the way. This episode was brought you in part by: ► Wissotzky Tea Through 5 generations, the Wissotzky family has been dedicated to exploring and blending extraordinary teas. Order Now https://www.amazon.com/stores/WISSOTZKY/page/3057BAB8-C2E4-4B43-93BD-575E28F6D9C2?is_byline_deeplink=true&deeplink=3057BAB8-C2E4-4B43-93BD-575E28F6D9C2&redirect_store_id=3057BAB8-C2E4-4B43-93BD-575E28F6D9C2&lp_asin=B0FBX9ZB9F&ref_=ast_bln&store_ref=bl_ast_dp_brandLogo_sto ___________________________ ► Meaningful Minute Plus Meaningful Minute is releasing its first-ever feature film: Homeless — a powerful story about exile, identity, and return. https://plus.meaningfulminute.org/
Jul 15, 2025 · 54 sec
So… What Is This Podcast? (Trailer)
Hi, I’m Adriana — and welcome to Notes from a Jewish Newbie (NJN) This podcast is my space to share what it’s like navigating Jewish life with fresh eyes, lots of questions, and plenty of laughs along the way. In this short trailer, I’m giving you a peek at what’s coming — real talk, honest reflections, and weekly episodes that I hope will feel like a breath of fresh air for anyone on their own Jewish journey. New episodes drop every Monday night. I’d love to hear your thoughts — shoot me an email at NJN@meaningfulminute.org.

Notes From a Jewish Newbie With Adina Shoshana

They Really Asked Me THIS… (Unfiltered Q&A)

“I’m Becoming a Jew” | This is Jacks Jewish Journey

My Family’s Reaction to My Conversion

The TRUTH about being a Jewish Influencer | An Honest Conversation with Sarah Guigue (@hassidic.hipster.girl)

My First Time in Shul: The Culture Shock I Never Expected

Why I started to dress modestly (and threw out all my old clothes)

I Thought This Was Kosher 😳

My Jewish Conversion: Everything I Couldn’t Share Until Now

So… What Is This Podcast? (Trailer)